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Posted on: March 19, 2020

City of Temecula Temporarily Closes City Hall and Launches a Virtual Permit Center

Tonight, the California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health issued an Order to all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors. City of Temecula Mayor “Stew” Stewart shares a calm reflection with Temecula citizens, “It is an unprecedented time in history throughout the world. In Temecula, we are a strong and cohesive community, and will continue to be the example of calm and kindness to each other and to our local businesses as we navigate these unprecedented times because we are all in it together, and this too shall pass.” The Order issued tonight from the State of California can be found online here https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/ and notes that Californians working in 16 critical infrastructure sectors (as identified within the Order) may continue their work.

Mayor Stewart announced the temporary closure of City Hall and the simultaneous launch of a newly developed “Virtual Permit Center” designed specifically to support residents and local businesses that remain open. “In a time when cities across the state and nation are suspending full operations of their permitting center to slow the spread of COVID-19, I am extremely proud of the innovative, resourceful and truly herculean efforts demonstrated by City staff within the Information Technology Department and Community Development Department to build a virtual platform that was largely completed in three days in order to allow the City to conduct business, despite needing to physically close City Hall doors,” states Mayor Stewart. City Hall will be closed to the public effective March 20, 2020 until it is appropriate to re-open in-person services in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, customers can contact the City via www.TemeculaCA.gov. The newly launched “Permit Center” button is on the home page for online Building and Safety, Business License, Fire, Land Development and Planning permit information.

Mayor Stewart says, “Amidst this historic and unexpected worldwide health and economic crisis, there is a Temecula Strong sentiment of unity emerging within our community and among the public servants at City Hall to do what’s necessary to help one another, stay safe and remain open for business to our citizens, virtually.”

Each department has made process adjustments to accommodate telecommuting and minimize staff physical presence in City Hall while allowing operations to continue.